| | Vermont Tech GEs by GradeLevel | Grades 6-8 |
| | 4. | Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, & Decision-Making |
| | Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. |
| | D | use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions. |
| | Students select appropriate digital tools and resources to explore problems by collecting information from local and global communities with diverse perspectives, |
| | summarizing the results, and identifying and comparing possible solutions that could satisfy |
| | Examples: |
| | 1. Students meet with the cafeteria manager to find out how much food the school consumes and where it comes from. They email local farms, grocery stores, trucking |
| | companies, restaurants, etc. to collect information about how much local food is available |
| | 2. Students decide whether to use email, an online discussion forum, or an online survey to collect information about whether students should be allowed to participate in |
| | sports if they have an F or D in a course. They collect data from students, teachers |
| | Examples of digital toolsabove may include: spreadsheets such as Excel or Google Spreadsheet, online discussion forums such asMoodle or Facebook, online survey tools |
| | such as Google Forms or SurveyMonkey, video editing tools such as Windows Movie Maker |
| Links to Scenarios: |
| | Cell Phones + Driving = Accidents? |
| | Partnership for 21st Century Skills Standards: |
| 2-b-iii. | LEARNING AND INNOVATION SKILLS | CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING |
| | Make Judgments and Decisions | Effectively analyze and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims and beliefs Analyze and evaluate major alternative points of |
| | view Synthesize and make connections between information and arguments Interpret information and draw conclusions |
| | based on the best analysis Reflect critically on learning experiences and processes |
| 2-b-iv. |
| | Solve Problems | Solve different kinds of non-familiar problems in both conventional and innovative ways Identify and ask significant |
| | questions that clarify various points of view and lead to better solutions |
| 3-a-i. | INFORMATION, MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS | INFORMATION LITERACY |
| |
| | Access and Evaluate Information | Access information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources) Evaluate information critically and competently |
| 3-a-ii. |
| | Use and Manage Information | Use information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand Manage the flow of information from a wide variety |
| | of sources Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information |
| 4-b-i. | LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS | INITIATIVE AND SELF-DIRECTION |
| | Manage Goals and Time | Set goals with tangible and intangible success criteria Balance tactical (short-term) and strategic (long-term) goals Utilize |
| | time and manage workload efficiently |
| 4-d-i. | PRODUCTIVITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY |
| | Manage Projects | Set and meet goals, even in the face of obstacles and competing pressures Prioritize, plan and manage work to achieve the |
| | intended result |
| 4-d-ii. |
| | Produce Results | Demonstrate additional attributes associated with producing high quality products including the abilities to: -Work positively |
| | and ethically -Manage time and projects effectively -Multi-task -Participate actively, as well as be reliable and punctual - |
| | Present oneself professionally and with proper etiquette -Collaborate and cooperate effectively with teams -Respect and |
| | appreciate team diversity -Be accountable for results |
| | Sunday, January 16, 2011 | Page 73 of 109 |